According to the waiters at Sanamluang, this noodle dish is named for the restaurant’s former parking attendant whose authoritarian ways were legendary. Any kind of mixed meat can be used, although to stay true to form requires leftover roast duck, beef meatballs and squid.

With salsa overtaking ketchup in sales volume in 1992, it made sense that the ketchup makers would fight back. There are several dozen brands of hot and spicy ketchup on the market these days, and more to come. This recipe will keep indefinitely.

The vegetable sold as "morning glory" in stores like Silom is sometimes called "water spinach"—the leaves are slightly bitter, but taste absolutely perfect with a handful of burning red Thai chiles. The exact quantity of each ingredient in this dish is somewhat variable; I like to use approximately the proportions given here, but Sanamluang’s version is a little more salty and less spicy. I’m not sure where the name comes from, but perhaps the red chiles have something to do with it.

This recipe is an adaptation of a recipe originally printed in the Officers’ Wives Club Cookbook from Clark AFB in the Philippines. If desired, boneless chicken breasts could also be added (or substituted) to the recipe. (This recipe requires advance preparation.)

This fresh red pepper paste is popular among those Russians who like spicy foods. Use this as a condiment to accompany grilled meats, or stir a tablespoon or two into soups and stews, as a flavor enhancer. You can find other recipes and read about the Russian Far East in the article Siberian Hot StuffBy Sharon Hudgins

The ingredients of this specialty from Russia are similar to the traditional Mexican pico de gallo salsa with the exception that celery replaces tomatoes and dill is added. Georgians spread it thickly onto a piece of lavash (Georgian bread) and wolf it down no matter how many chiles are added to it. Please note that this recipe requires advance preparation, as the adzhiga tastes better when it's served 1 to 3 days after making.